Cancun

You might think you know Cancun – 14 miles of pristine white beaches shaped like a number "7" crystalline waters and sultry nights sipping on the perfect margarita, right? Well, you're both right and wrong. If this is your idea of what Cancun is all about, read on. There's so much more.

The history of Cancun dates back to 1967 when the Mexican government, recognizing the importance of tourism to the country’s economic future, began a detailed search to pinpoint ideal sites for tourism development. Resting on the northeast corner of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo (keen-tah-nah-ROW), Cancun was a part of the ancient Mayan civilization and is still considered the gateway to El Mundo Maya (the Mayan World).

Cancun has the distinction of being the one Caribbean destination with the infrastructure, modern amenities (spruced up in 2006) and service philosophy to rival leisure destinations worldwide. Unlike many other parts of the Caribbean and Mexico, Cancun was built for tourism, and continues to meet the needs of its over 3.3 million annual visitors. Cancun delivers to travelers the best of many worlds: the Caribbean and Mexico; modern and ancient; action packed and laid back. Cancun is unequaled in its ability to offer cultural treasures, natural beauty, infinite activities and North American-style conveniences.

Due to its near perfect weather, natural beauty and easy accessibility from North American gateways, Cancun emerged as the government’s top candidate. What was once a remote and tiny fishing village of just 12 families was cultivated into the ideal Mexican vacation spot. It capitalized on, without compromising, the region’s natural resources. You will find Cancun’s hospitality staff to be among the best-trained in the world at leading hotel brands represented in here—from the major names in affordable accommodations such as Best Western and Holiday Inn to the very best in luxury such as Ritz-Carlton to Hilton.

The landscape of Cancun encourages the growth of many exotic flowers, such as flamboyances (named for the dazzling orange-red splash they make lining sidewalks and plazas) and fascinating fauna, like the prehistoric-looking iguanas.

If you are a sports enthusiast, Cancun will not disappoint. It boasts great five golf courses, incredible coral reefs for snorkeling and scuba diving, sport-fishing and jungle tours. And if lying on a white-sand beach with the clear blue Caribbean lapping at your suntanned toes is what you long for, then Cancun delivers. Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are in and around Cancún making it Latin American’s most important leisure destination.

Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Mexico

Cancun

In crystalline Caribbean waters, you gently float, dive and even lay hands on magnificent, tranquil whale sharks. The majesty of the animals and the vastness of the sea offer real understanding of man’s place on the planet. Top snorkeling with whale sharks in Mexico: whale sharks stay close to mysterious, unspoiled Holbox Island in Quintana Roo all summer long. When you come up for air, you find trees and lagoons filled with flamingoes, pelicans and other tropical birds.

Wild, Wild Life on Holbox Island, Quintana Roo

Cancun

One of Mexico's wildest and most singular states is Quintana Roo. Its world-famous white sand beaches and dazzling azure waters are home to the planet's second largest coral reef. Less known—but equally as impressive—is the state's incredible animal life. At Holbox island, visitors swim and commune with whale sharks, then frolic with dozens of other sea creatures while they kayak or scuba. On Isla Pajaros, you can actively help scientists preserve the island's flamingo populations. All the while, keep your eyes peeled for tapirs and big cats like jaguars, tigrillos and ocelots.

Deep Maya Green in the Jungles of Quintana Roo

Cancun

Remote Quintana Roo—closer to Cuba than to Mexico City—contains astounding jungles and breathtaking natural life that are just beginning to be discovered. Within them you find amazing biodiversity, exuberant flowers and trees, and vestiges of the Mayas’ magnificent civilization. Start your adventure with a day on the beach beneath an ancient Maya fortress at Tulum, then hit the jungles in search of manatees, tapirs and the most sublime forest dweller of all: the elusive jaguar. At sea, the state’s coral reefs feature some of the best diving and sport fishing on earth.